This whole Bountygate story isn't over yet. Jonathan Vilma, the man suspended for a whole season for being a ring leader in this scandal, is taking action against Roger Goodell. Goodell has said that Vilma was a leader in the bounty program and for that he is being sued. Vilma has filed a defamation lawsuit against the commissioner claiming that Goodell made false statements that hurt his reputation and affected his ability to play football. Vilma has said he never participated in the bounty system with his quote on twitter saying "As I've said before..I NEVER PAID, NOR INTENDED TO PAY ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY, TO ANY PLAYER FOR INTENTIONALLY HURTING AN OPPONENT."
What seems interesting in all of this is the fact that the other players suspended have heard the evidence against them but that hasn't been the case for Vilma. It seems that something is a little fishy coming from Goodell's office if the evidence hasn't been clearly presented. Perhaps this whole lawsuit is a way to see the cards the commissioner's office is holding. The result could cause tension between Vilma and those who testified against him. As an actual case, Vilma probably has no shot in winning it. Defamation lawsuits are incredibly hard to win on part of the plaintiff (Vilma) and I'm not sure if he can clear his name just because he's part of the Saints locker room during this scandal.
Whether Vilma is guilty or not, he deserves to see the evidence against him. Goodell has no right to keep it hidden.
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